そこで

• Reading: そこで
• Romaji: sokode
• Pronunciation: /so.ko.de/

Meaning

So; accordingly; therefore; thereupon. A conjunction introducing an action taken in response to a situation.

A conjunction used to connect a situation or problem with the resulting action or response. Different from だから (dakara, because/so) in that そこで emphasises the action taken rather than the logical conclusion. Common in both spoken and written narratives.

Examples

1. 電車が止まった。そこでタクシーで行くことにした。 The train stopped running. So I decided to take a taxi instead.
2. 日本語が上手になりたい。そこで毎日勉強している。 I want to get better at Japanese. So I've been studying every day.
3. 道に迷ってしまった。そこで近くの人に聞いた。 I got lost. So I asked someone nearby for directions.

Usage Guide

Context: narratives, explanations, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from そこ (there, that place) combined with the particle で (at/by). The literal sense of 'at that point' evolved into a conjunction meaning 'given that situation.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal